Top Kurdistan Region officials condemn assassination of renowned Iraqi security expert

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Top Kurdistan Region officials on Tuesday condemned the assassination of Iraq’s prominent security and extremism expert Hisham al-Hashimi who was gunned down by unknown assailants the day before.

A statement from the office of Masoud Barzani, former president of the Kurdistan Region and the current leader of Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), condemned the assassination.

“With deep sorrow, we received the news of security expert Hisham al-Hashimi’s assassination,” the statement read, describing it as an “oppressive act conducted by outlawed groups.”

“While we strongly condemn this terror act, we ask the relevant agencies in Baghdad to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” it added.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also spoke on the killing.

“I strongly condemn the assassination of Iraqi political and security analyst Hisham al-Hashimi,” Barzani said in a statement by his office. He also said he “hoped” that the perpetrators of the crime are found as soon as possible and justice is served.

Prime Minister Barzani concluded his statement by extending his “condolences to his family and colleagues”.

On Tuesday, the Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in a tweet “strongly condemned” the killing of Mr. Hisham.

“I strongly condemn the assassination of Iraqi security expert Hisham Al-Hashimi last night in Baghdad,” Barzani tweeted, as he extended “heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

President Barzani added that, “authorities must find the perpetrators of this terror act and bring them to justice.

I strongly condemn the assassination of Iraqi security expert Hisham Al-Hashimi last night in Baghdad. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Authorities must find the perpetrators of this terror act and bring them to justice.

— Nechirvan Barzani (@IKRPresident) July 7, 2020

Hashimi, 47, was killed outside his home in Baghdad’s Zayouna neighborhood, in the eastern half of the city, where he was ambushed by four men on two motorcycles, who shot him several times, an informed source told Kurdistan 24 on condition of anonymity.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Read More: Iraqi terrorism expert, Hisham al-Hashimi, assassinated in Baghdad

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany